


MASSACHUSETTS 



Institute of Technology, 



Boston, Mass. 



Department 



Civil Engineering. 



i » I ^' 



BOSTON: 

W. J. SCHOFIKLD, PkINTER, 105 SUMMEK StKEET. 

1893. 



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"^4 



OFFICERS OF INSTRUCTION 

In Civil Engineering. 



George F. Swain, S. B., Hayward Professor of Civil Engineering. 

Alfred E. Burton, S. B., Associate Professor of Topographical 
Engineering. 

C. Frank Allen, S. B., Associate Professor of Railroad Engineer- 
ing. 

DwiGHT Porter, Ph. B., Associate Professor of Hydraulic Engi- 
neering. 

Arthur G. Robbins, S. B., Instructor in Topographical Engineer- 
ing. 

James H. Stanwood, S. B., Instructor in Civil Engineering. 

Fred. E. Foss, S. B., Instructor in Highway Engineering. 

N. R. Pratt, Assistant in Topographical Engineering. 

J. P. Lyon, S. B., Assistant in Railroad Engineering. 

M. S. Pope, S. B., Assistant in Hydraulic Engineering. 



Gaetano Lanza, C. E., Professor of Theoretical and Applied Me- 
chanics. 

Jerome Sondericker, C. E., Assistant Professor of Applied Me- 
chanics. 

Allyne, L. Merrill, S. B., Assistant 1r*rofessor of Mechanism. 

Edward F. Miller, S. B., Assistant Professor of Steam Engineer- 
ing. 

George W. Blodgett, S. B., Lecturer on the Application of Elec- 
tricity to Railway Working. 

John R. Freeman, S. B., Lecturer on the Hydraulics of Fire Pro- 
tection and on Fireproof Construction. 



OFFICERS OF INSTRUCTION 

In Other Related Departments. 



John D. Runkle, Ph. D., LL. D., Walker Professor of Mathematics. 

George A. Osborne, S. B., Professor of Mathematics. 

Robert H. Richards, S. B., Professor of Mining and Metallurgy. 

Wii. H. NiLES, Ph. B., A. M., Professor of Geology and Geography. 

Charles R. Cross, S. B., Thayer Professor of Physics. 

^Y:sI. T. Sedgwick. Ph. D.. Professor of Biology. 

Silas W. Holman, S. B., Associate Professor of Physics. 

Webster Wells, S. B., Associate Professor of Mathematics. 

Wm. 0. Crosby, S. B., Assistant Professor of Mineralogy and Lithol- 

ogy- 

Lixus Fauxce, S. B., Assistant Professor of Drawing. 

Dana P, Bartlett, S. B., Assistant Professor of Mathematics. 



ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS OF THE 
INSTITUTE. 



President, Francis A. Walker. 

Sec^-etary, H. W. Tyler. 

Bursar, ...... Albert M. Knight. 



THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING. 



Six years ago, in recognition of the tendency toward specialization, 
which is so marked in all branches of engineering, the course in Civil 
Engineering at the Institute was rearranged and essentially modified 
by the introduction of options in the fourth year. As important 
changes in the course and extensive additions to the equipment of the 
department have since been made, it seems now proper to publish a 
detailed statement of the progress and present condition of the depart- 
ment and of its means and methods of instruction. 

The educated engineer, whatever branch of the profession he may 
follow, is constantly called upon to make application of the principles 
of mathematics, mechanics, and physics, of the laws governing the 
stability of structures, the resistance of materials, or the flow of water, 
in dealing with problems involving the development of natural re- 
sources, the construction or improvement of channels of transporta- 
tion, or the maintenance of the public health. These subjects must, 
therefore, be included in any sound course of instruction in Engineer- 
ing. But the rapid development of the technical sciences and the 
specialization of the various departments of Civil Engineering have 
so enlarged its field as to make it impossible, in any course of four 
years, to cover adequately and thoroughly all branches of the profes- 
sion, and have rendered it desirable that the student should be allowed 
some freedom of choice as to the particular line of work to be pur- 
sued in the application of these general principles. To meet this 
requirement, three options are offered to the students in the fourth 
year : first, one in which more attention than usual is devoted to 
Hydraulic and Sanitary PIngineering ; second, one in which particular 
attention is given to Railroad Euffiueering and Management ; and, 
third, one in which special attention is given to Geodesy. The first 
of these options may be regarded as a general course in Civil Engi- 
neering, since it includes in the third year a considerable amount of 
instruction in railroad engineering, and in the fourth year a brief and 
elementary course in geodesy and astronomy. This option, therefore, 
besides being suitable for students intending to engage in hydraulic 
or sanitary engineering, is particularly adapted-to those who wish to 



make their course as general as possible, either with the intention of 
continuing their studies after graduation, or from inability to decide 
which branch of the profession they wish ultimately to pursue ; the 
second option is designed for students who desire to engage in the 
location, construction, or management of railroads ; while the third is 
designed for students who wish to engage in State or government 
surveys, or who may desire to pursue advanced astronomical or 
mathematical work after graduation. 

It must not be supposed, however, that any of these options fits a 
student only for the special line of work peculiar to it. On the con- 
trary, the course is arranged on such a broad basis, and the training 
gained in the different studies is such, that a graduate in any option 
is qualified to engage in work in either of the other lines, although, 
of course, to less advantage, at first, than in his chosen branch. 

Attention should here be called to the fact that since the intro- 
duction of these options into Course I. the rapid development of 
sanitary engineering, and the closer relations which have come to 
exist between the sanitary engineer, the chemist, and the biologist, 
have led to the adoption of a sjoecific course in Sanitary Engineering 
(Course XI) in which certain purely engineering studies of Course I 
are replaced by work in Chemistry and Biology. As a special circu- 
lar has been issued relating to this course, it is sufficient to say here 
that it is designed for students who have determined, from the begin- 
ning, not to engage in railroad, bridge, or geodetic work, but who 
desire to devote themselves to problems involving the health of com- 
munities, such as sewerage and water supply. 

The following is the 



SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE IN CIVIL ENGIXEEEIXG, 

(the first term being the same as in all the other courses of the Institute.) 

FIRST YEAR. 



nilST TERM. 


SECOND TERM. 


Algebra. 


Plane and Spherical Trigonometry. 


Solid Geometry. 


General Chemistry. 


General Clieniistrj'. 


Qualitative Aiial>sis. 


Chemical Laboratory. 


Mechanical Drawing; Descriptive Geome- 


Mecliaiiical and Freehand Drawing. 


try. 


Rhetoric and English Composition. 


Freehand Drawing. 


French. 


Political History shice 1815. 


Military Drill. 


French. 




Militaiy Drill. 



SECOND YEAR. 



FIRST TEK3I. 



SECOND TEllM. 



Surveying : Chain, Compass, and Transit. 

Plotting from Notes. 

Topographical Drawing. 

Analytic Geometry. 

PJiysics. 

Descriptive Geometry. 

Elements of Astronomy. 

American History. 

Eiigiish Literature. 

German. 



Surveying and Drawing ; Level, Pocket 

Instruments, and Solar Compass. 
Differential Calculus. 
Physics. 

Physical Geography. 
Mechanism. 

English Literature and Composition. 
German. 



THIRD YEAR. 



FIRST TERM. 



SECOND TERM. 



Railroad and Hitrhway Engineering. 

Railroad Field Work and Drawing. 

Stereotomy. 

Surveying"; Stadia and Sextant. 

Integral Calculus. 

Mechanics ; General Statics. 

Physics ; Heat. 

Piiysical Laboratory. 

Structural Geoh)gy. 

German. 

Political Economy. 

Bosmess Law. 



Railroad and Highway Engineering. 

Railroad Field Work and Drawing. 

Theory of Structures. 

Surveying ; Plane Table. 

Applied Mechanics ; Strength of Materials. 

Physical Laboratory. 

Historical Geology.' 

German . 

Political Economy and Industrial History. 

Business Law. 



FOURTH YEAR. 



FIRST TERM. 



OPTION 2. 



OPTION 3. 



Theory of Structures. 

Bridges and Roofs. 

Hydraulics. 

Strength of ]\raterials. 

Smitary and Hydraulic En- 
gineering 

H\ draulic Field Work. 

Elements of Practical As- 
tronomy. 

^Metallurgy of Iron. 

Bridge Design. 

Elements of Dynamo Ma- 
chinery. 



Theory of Structures. 
Bridges and Roofs. 
Hydraulics. 
Strength of Materials. 
Bailroad Engineering. 
Railroad ^lanagement. 
Riilroad Signals. 
Metallurgy of Iron. 
Bridge Design. 
Elements of Dynamo Ma- 
chinery. 



Theory of Structures. 
Bridges and Roofs. 
Hydraulics. 
Strength of Materials. 
Geodesy and Astronomy. 
Method of Least Squares. 
Hydraulic Field AVork. 
Physical Laboratory. 



OPTION 1. 

Theory of Structures. 
Bridges and Roofs. 
Thesis Work. 
Hydrulic Engineering. 
Sanitarv Science and the 

Public Health. 
Sanitary a?id Bridge Design. 
Engineering Laboratory. 
Elements of Geodesy. 
Mjichinery and Motors. 



SECOXD TERM. 
OPTION 2. 

Theory of Structures. 
Bridges and Roofs. 
Thesis Work. 
Railroad Engineering. 
Building Construction. 
Railroad and Bridge Design 
Engineering Laboratory. 
Machinery and Motors. 



OPTION 3. 

Theory of Structures. 

Bridges and Roofs. 

Tliesis "Work. 

Hydraulic Engineering. 

Geodesy. 

Differential Equations. 

Field Work and Laboratory. 



8 

The instruction is given by lectures and recitations, practice in the 
field, and exercises in the drawing room. The constant aim is not 
only to make the student thoroughly familiar with the principles on 
which all sound engineering must be based, but to illustrate the 
application of those principles in such detail that he may clearly 
appreciate their use, and their relation to practical work. While it 
is recognized that most matters of mere practical detail are best and 
most quickly learned through experience in actual work, and while it 
is believed that the particular province of a higher school of engineer- 
ing is to develop in the mind of the student first of all a clear per- 
ception and a proper appreciation of what may be called the theo- 
retical side of engineering, yet it is deemed equally essential that the 
practical application of these principles shall be so clearly pointed out 
and so frequently illustrated and enforced that the student shall be 
able to make intelligent and prompt use of his knowledge whenever 
occasion arises. It is believed that only by teaching theory and 
practice together can proper results be obtained, and the student be 
made clearly to see their connection. In many cases (as in bridges) 
the study of details affords the best possible opportunity for the 
application of principles, and much time is therefore devoted to it ; 
and in each branch of instruction it is sought to acquaint the student 
with matters of fact and of detail to an extent sufficient to enable him 
to enter at once upon the practice of his profession, and to render him 
capable of filling any position that would be offered to one just com- 
pleting a four years' course. 

In accordance with these ideas, much time is devoted to Design, 
and the student is allowed to carry out his own ideas whenever prac- 
ticable, and encouraged to devise his own solutions to problems pro- 
posed. The designs of the student are afterwards criticised, and 
errors or possible improvements pointed out. 

Excursions are made to such engineering works in the vicinity as 
may illustrate or lend interest to the work in hand ; and by the study 
and comparison of executed works, in addition to the training in 
design, the student becomes acquainted, as far as the time will allow, 
with the practice of the day. 

In class-room work mere lecturing is avoided where practicable. 
Text-books are used so far as they are available, and in many cases 
printed or lithographed notes have been prepared by the instruct- 
ors, specially adapted to the needs of their classes. The students 



are thus largely relieved of the necessity of taking notes in the class- 
room. 

In surveying field work the classes are divided into small parties 
of from two to five students, and an instructor is assigned to each 
party. The work is thus carried out under careful supervision, and 
without loss of time. In order to secure further economy of time, 
each class devotes an entire day in each week to field work, during 
favorable weather. 

The work in the drawing room is, as far as possible, original, and, 
except in the fii'st year and in topographical drawing, there is no 
drawing for practice in manual execution alone. Every drawing 
made by the student is either a plan of a survey made by the class, 
the solution of some problem, or the drawing of some design made by 
himself. He therefore learns how to execute and what to execute at 
the same time, after having acquired, in the first year, the principles 
of drawing and the use of the instruments. 

In arranging the course, one object in view has been to give the 
student as broad and liberal a training and to lead him to as many 
points of view as may be consistent with due compactness and thor- 
oughness. To this end, general studies in composition, history, litera- 
ture, political economy, and business law, extend through the first 
three years of the course. Further, in addition to the main profes- 
sional subjects, briefer courses are offered in allied branches of 
science, and in cognate professional subjects not strictly within the 
option chosen. Such, for instance, are the courses in physical geog- 
raphy and geology in the second and third year ; in the elements of 
astronomy and geodesy, and in sanitary science, in the fourth year. 
Care is taken to impress upon the students the fact that, like other 
professional men, the civil engineer, in order to attain success, must 
be broad and not narrow, that he must be able to write and to speak 
correctly, and that an active interest in questions of the day and a 
knowledge of political economy and of sciences outside of his strictly 
professional work may be of the greatest vajue to him ; while, on the 
other hand, a habit of writing or speaking carelessly, or from a narrow 
point of view, may impede or limit his progress, notwithstanding great 
professional ability. 

SURVEYING AND TOPOGRAPEIY. 

The work in these branches extends through the second and third 
years, and is followed by Geodesy in the fourth year. During the 



10 

second year one day per week throughout the year is devoted to field 
work and drawing, together with class-room exercises. Great stress 
is laid on the early acquirement of rapid and accurate hahits in the 
use of instruments and the keeping of neat field notes ; and for this 
purpose the classes are divided, for work in the field, into small divis- 
ions, so that each student shall be constantly engaged, and shall have 
practice in all the manipulations. The field work comprises the use 
of the chain, compass, transit, level, clinometer, hand level, aneroid 
barometer, solar compass, and the solar attachment to the transit ; 
the adjustments of these various instruments ; the astronomical deter- 
mination of the meridian ; levelling for profiles and contours ; and 
practice in surveying without instruments. By dividing a large class 
into a number of sections, and assigning each to a separate portion of 
the work, problems of considerable interest and magnitude are some- 
times undertaken. So far as possible, fresh problems are given each 
year. The results of the field work are plotted in the drawing room, 
and the student is instructed in the methods of computing areas, lati- 
tudes, and departures ; in the various problems involved in land, city, 
and underground surveying, and in the methods used in the public 
land surveys of the United States. 

The field work of the third year includes the use of the stadia, 
sextant, and plane table, and the operations involved in topographical 
and hydrographical surveying. 

The department possesses a large and constantly increasing equip- 
ment, in which almost all the principal instrument makers are 
represented. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL DRAWING 

is taught in the second and third years. In the second year the 
student is made familiar with the various conventional signs and 
methods of representing topography, the standards used being those 
of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. In the third year 
this knowledge is applied in making a map of a railroad location. • 



GEODESY. 

Students taking the general option receive, in the first term of the 
fourth year, a short course in Practical Astronomy, embracing an 



11 

elementan' discussion of the methods of determining latitude, longi- 
tude, time, and azimuth, together with the theory of the usual astro- 
nomical instruments. This is followed, in the second term, by a brief 
course in Geodesy, embracing a discussion of the figure of the earth, 
and of the methods of measuring base lines and of carrying on a 
geodetic survey. 

Students in the geodetic option pursue these subjects in much 
greater detail, taking also the course in Least Squares. 



SUMMER COURSE IN GEODESY, TOPOGRAPHY, AND GEOLOGY. 

In the early part of the vacation following the third year, students 
in Civil Engineering have the privilege of attending a summer course, 
which oifers about four weeks of continuous field practice, thus afford- 
ing more extended training in this direction than it is possible to give 
during the school year. Students taking, the geodetic option are 
required to attend this course, but it is also open to all civil engineer- 
ing students who have completed the third year, and to any other 
students who are properly qualified. 

The object of this course is to furnish the special field training 
essential for students desiring to enter the government surveys, or to 
engage in extended topographical work of a similar nature. It is not 
attem[)ted to complete any particular piece of work, but to instruct 
the student, by actual practice, in the various steps incident to the 
progress of a complete geodetic survey, such as the measurement of a 
base line, the methods of erecting signals, the proper selection of 
stations, the extending of a system of triangulation, and the filling in 
of details. 

Practice in topographical surveying by different methods occupies 
a considerable portion of the time, and emphasis is laid upon the 
economical adaptation of methods and instruments to different scales 
of topographical work. The plane table, the transit and stadia, 
the aneroid barometer, and pocket instruments of various kinds are 
used and compared, and attention is paid to the freehand sketch- 
ing of contours, for the purpose of bringing out special geological 
features. 

Hydraulic field work constitutes an important part of the work of 
the summer course, and consists in measuring the flow of some stream 



12 

of considerable size, using various methods and instruments, including 
floats and current-meters of several kinds. The results of the obser- 
vations are plotted and the computations of discharge worked out by 
the students during their fourth year. In this way, previous classes 
have measured the flow of the Connecticut River at South Deerfield, 
Mass., of the Schoharie Creek at Schoharie, N. Y., and of the Dela- 
ware River at Water Gap, Penn. 

Field work in geology, and in the study and interpretation of 
topographical features, constitutes another important part of the 
summer course. The class-room study of geology often fails to })re- 
pare for intelligent field work, and the aiai of tliis portion of the 
course is to enable students to acquire correct perceptions through 
their own examination of natural features. The detailed study of 
several simple types of surface leads to the study of a diversified 
district, which the student is taught to analyze into the topographical 
elements of which it is composed, and to examine with reference to 
its geological structure, thus ascertaining to what extent and in what 
ways the superficial topography reveals the internal or concealed 
structure of hills and other features. By carrying on this work hand 
in hand with the topographical surveying, the student gains an insight 
into the true significance of the surface features which the topographer 
has to represent. 

RAILROAD ENGINEERIXG. 

This subject is taught in the third year to all students in the depart- 
ment, while in the fourth year advanced courses are given to students 
choosing the second or railroad option. 

The class-room work in the third year comprises a series of sixty 
exercises, and treats of the survey, location, construction, and equip- 
ment of railroads. It includes the topics of reconnaissance, prelimi- 
nary work, location, curves and turnouts, the calculation and meas- 
urement of earthwork, the setting of slope stakes, the theor}"^ of 
easement curves, the constru€tion of culverts, trestles, and masonry, 
and the subject of track, comprising ballast, ties, rails, frogs, switches, 
crossings, turn-tables, etc. 

The students are thoroughly drilled in the mathematical work 
involved in the subjects of curves, turnouts, spirals, and earthwork, 
and are taught the use and construction of earthwork diagrams of 
various kinds. 



13 

In addition to the work in the class-room, the students make each 
year the reconnaissance, preliminary, and location surveys for a rail- 
road two or three miles in length, upon such ground as may best 
illustrate the problems occurring in practice. Field practice is also 
given in a variety of problems involved in running in curves and 
spirals, and in setting slope stakes. In order to carry on this work 
without waste of time, one entire day in each week is devoted to 
field w,ork, in the fall and spring, while the weather permits. In 
the drawing room, maps and profiles of the railroad survey are 
prepared by the students, who are instructed in the methods of 
using the map and contours to fit the line properly to the ground. 
Adflitional practice in this direction is also given by furnishing the 
students with lithographed contour maps of a certain district, upon 
which they are required to locate a suitable line connecting two given 
points. 

The advanced courses given in the fourth year comprise one on 
Kailroad Engineering and one on Railroad Management, together 
with lectures on Railroad Si<;nals. The course in Railroad En^ineer- 
ing, which includes three exercises a week during the entire year, 
treats with considerable detail of the economics of location, that is, of 
the effects of grades, curves, and length upon the cost of operation, 
and the resulting principles which should be borne in mind in deter- 
mining location. It further deals with the subjects of train resistance, 
brakes, rolling. stock, motive power, signals, yards, stations, tunnels, 
steep inclines, and street railways of various kinds. The work in the 
drawing room consists of the preparation of designs, such as for a 
station yard or a water tank, or in working up the results of tests on 
brakes or on train resistance. Particular attention is given in this 
course to the arrangement of tracks at stations, a matter in regard to 
which great confusion of mind and much uneconomical practice exist 
among railroad men. 

The course in Railroad Management consists of thirty lectures, and 
is designed to give the student a broad, general view of the history of 
railroads and of the methods of organization, the duties of the 
different officers, and the methods of keeping railroad accounts ; 
together with a discussion of ''the railroad question," including the 
subjects of fares, freights, pooling, discrimination, the Interstate 
Commerce Law, and the governmental control of railroads. This 
course is general as well as technical, and is dependent upon the 



14 

course on Political Economy, as well as upon the Railroad Engineer- 
ing of the preceding year. 

The course in Railroad Signals has been given by Mr, George W. 
Blodgett, electrician of the Boston & Albany Railroad, and consists 
of six lectures, together with excursions to several points of interest. 
The students are in this course made acquainted with the methods of 
operating block signals, the construction of interlocking signals and 
switches at junctions, crossings, and terminal points, and other similar 
mutters. 

HIGHWAY ENGIXEERING. 

The instruction in this branch of engineering is given mainly in 
the second tei'm of the third year, and consists of a series of lectures 
treating of the location, construction, and maintenance of town and 
county roads, and of city streets and pavements. Students desiring 
it may also, during the fourth year, devote some time in the drawing 
room to problems connected with the subject, or to work in the 
laboratory. During the past year, for instance, a series of tests has 
been made to determine the specific gravity, porosity, and relative 
durability of different kinds of paving bricks. 

Through means furnished by Col. Albert A. Pope, of Boston, an 
instructorship in this branch is maintained, and the equipment of the 
department in books and apparatus is being rapidly increased. 



DESCRIPTIVE GEOMETRY AND STEREOTOMY. 

The principles of mechanical drawing and the use of instruments 
are taught to all students in the first term of the first year. This is 
followed by a thorough course in Descriptive Geometry, extending 
to the middle of the second year. In the third year a course in 
Stereotomy, or stone cutting, is given, in which the principles already 
learned are applied to the various problems arising in the construction 
of walls, arches, abutments, wing walls, and other masonry structures. 
The remainder of the drawing in the course, except that already 
referred to in describing the work in Surveying and Railroad 
Location, is given in connection with the instruction in Bridges, 
Sanitary or Hydraulic Engineering, or Railroad Engineering, and 



15 

consists in makino^ complete or sketch designs and working drawings 
of structures of various kinds. 



THEORY OF STRUCTURES. 

In this course, which is required of every regular student, and 
which extends from the middle of the third year to the end of the 
fourth year, the principles of the equilibrium and strength of the 
various structures met with in the practice of the civil engineer are 
discussed, and illustrated by numerous examples. It embraces a 
study of the analytical and graphical methods of determining the 
stresses and proportioning the parts of structures of wood, stone, and 
metal, such as bridges, roofs, stone and iron arches, pliers, abutments, 
and retaining walls. 

BRIDGES AND ROOFS. 

Parallel with the course in the Theory of Structures is the course 
in Bridges and Roofs, which is devoted to the practical construction 
and designing of bridge and roof structures, together with a series of 
drawing-room exercises in Bridge Design, in which the student is 
required to make complete designs and working drawings of one or 
more structures of this kind. In these courses the student is made 
familiar with the different shapes of iron used at the present time, 
and with the methods of designing and properly proportioning con- 
nections. The plate girder is first taken up, and is followed by a 
study of framed structures of iron and wood, stone arches, floors and 
roofs for buildings, etc. The department is well supplied with blue 
prints received from the different bridge companies, illustrating the 
most recent American practice, and with an extended series of sheets 
showing European practice. S|)ecial efforts are made to call attention 
to faulty methods of construction, and to impress upon the student 
the importance of a sound knowledge of principles as a basis for good 
design. The student is taught the importance of carefully propor- 
tioning even the smallest details in such structures ; and is shown 
that elaborate and precise computations of strain-sheets are to a large 
extent illusory, unless an equal degree of attention and care is 
devoted to the arrangement and proportions of each detail of con- 
nection. Further, continual attention is directed to the economical 



16 

aspects of construction, and to the importance of economy in material, 
ease of manipulation in the shop, and facility of erection. Visits of 
inspection are occasionally made to important structures in the neigh- 
borhood, and to the shops of the Boston Bridge AYorks, where, 
through the courtesy of the proprietor, Mr. D. H. Andrews, students 
have an opportunity to become ac(juainted with the actual manipula- 
tion of the iron. 

This course also includes the subject of Foundations. 



HYDRAULICS AND HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING. 

This course embraces the subjects of theoretical hydraulics and 
hydrometry, and of hydrology, water supply, water power, rivers and 
canals, coast and harbor works, irrigation, pumps, and hydraulic 
motors. The course in Hydraulics embraces the principles of hydro- 
statics, and of the flow of water through orifices, over weirs, in open 
channels, and through pipes; and the practical application of these 
principles is enforced by numerous examples. In hydrometry the 
methods of measuring the quantity of water flowing in Open channels 
or in pipes are considered. Floats and current-meters of different 
patterns have been provided for the use of the classes, and the 
students are taken in small parties to points on the Charles River or 
elsewhere, where the flow of the stream is measured. Occasional 
visits are also made to Lowell and Lawrence, and similar measure- 
ments made in the mill flumes. The subjects of rainfall and the flow 
of streams are specially considered with reference to the conditions 
existing in different parts of this country, and to their application in 
the study of the questions of water supply and irrigation. Under the 
head of. water supply are considered the sources, purity, and necessary 
quantity of water, the methods of collecting, storing, filtering, raising, 
and distributing it for domestic purposes, with the practical details 
involved in such work. A study is also made of the control and 
improvement of rivers, the construction of locks, dams, and canals, 
and the utilization and distribution of water as a motive power. 

Under coast and harbor works are briefly considered the design 
and construction of harbors, breakwaters, and jetties, the maintenance 
of channels, and the protection of coasts. Under irrigation, the con- 
ditions existing in our Western States are specially regarded, and the 



17 

student is made acquainted with the results of experience in other 
countries. Should the student select the subject of hydraulic design, 
he is required to plan in detail the arrangement of a water supply or 
sewerage system for some town, or to design cross-sections for a 
sewer, aqueduct, dam, or other similar work. 

The work of the class-room is supplemented by a series of exercise 
in the Hydraulic Laboratory, where the student becomes familiar with 
the measurement of water by weirs, orifices, nozzles, etc., and with 
the details of efficiency tests of pumps, turbines, and other hydraulic 
motors. 

SANITARY ENGINEERING. 

The instruction in this subject is given by a course of lectures, 
supplemented by work in designing. The object sought is to equip 
the student with such special knowledge as shall fit him to deal intelli- 
gently with certain questions relating to the health of individuals and 
communities, and to properly plan works of sewerage and drainage. 
A brief course in Sanitary Science, in the second term, affords the 
student some insight into the modern theories of disease, the biolog- 
ical methods employed in detecting the presence of disease germs, and 
the relations between works of water supply or sewerage and the 
health of communities. The matter of water supply, properly in- 
cluded in the practice of the sanitary engineer, is fully treated in con- 
nection with Hydraulic Engineering. 

Under the head of House Drainage are studied the material and 
arrangement of drain, soil, and waste pipes, and the connecting fix- 
tures, the advantages and defects of various forms of traps, results of 
experiments upon siphonage, examples of faulty plumbing, the modes 
of testing work, sanitary inspections, and the disposal of sewage by 
sub-surface irrigation. 

Under Sewerage of Cities and Towns are considered the various 
systems employed in this country and abroad for the removal of sew- 
age, special methods in use for its treatment and ultimate disposal, 
the proportioning and construction of main, branch, and interceptintr 
sewers, with their appendages in the way of man-holes, catch-basins, 
flush-tanks, etc., tests of material employed, and custom in the aj)por- 
tionment of cost. Attention is directed to the history of sanitary 
work and legislation, and the results effected through their agencies, 



18 

as well as to the consideration of such problems as the pollution of 
streams and the disposal of manufacturing waste. 

In connection with the work in the drawing room, the preparation 
of detailed drawings is required for some assigned project in house 
drainage, sewerage, or other sanitary work, accompanied by such 
specifications and estimates of cost as the case may admit. 

APPLIED MECHANICS AND STRENGTH OF MATERIALS. 

The instruction in these subjects begins at the middle of the first 
term of the third year, and extends to the middle of the fourth year. 
The course includes statics, dynamics, and the theory of beams, shafts, 
and columns ; followed by a study of the strength and physical proper- 
ties of the materials used in engineering, such as the various kinds of 
wood, stone, iron and steel, cement, etc. This is accompanied by 
exercises in the engineering laboratories, where each student has 
practice in testing iron, wood, and cement. 



MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SUBJECTS. 

The civil engineer has frequently to do with machines of various 
kinds, such as pumping engines, locomotives, etc., and should possess 
some knowledge of machinery. A course in Mechanism is, therefore, 
given in the second year, and one in Machinery and Motors in the 
fourth year. These courses are designed to give the student sufficient 
knowledge to serve any immediate needs, and upon them he may base 
more extended studies, should his future work require. 



THE ENGINEERING LABORATORIES. 

The objects to be accom[)lished by these laboratories are, first, to 
give the students practice in such experimental work as engineers 
are, in practice, called upon to perform ; second, to afford some experi- 
ence in carrying on original investigations in engineering subjects, 
with such care and accuracy as to render the results of real value to 
the engineering community ; third, by publishing, from time to time. 



19 

the results of such investigations, to add gradually to the common 
stock of knowledge. These laboratories are situated in the Engineer- 
ing Building, where they occupy the two lower floors, 50 x 150 feet 
eacli. They include, 

First: the laboratory for testing the strength of materials; 

Second: the hydraulic laboratory; 

Third: the steam laboratory. 

Of these, the first two are the only ones of which extensive use is 
made by the students in Civil Engineering, and the third need not be 
here described. 



THE LABORATORY FOR TESTING THE STRENGTH OF 
MATERIALS. 

This laboratory is furnished with the following apparatus : an Olsen 
testing machine of fifty thousand pounds' capacity, for determining 
tensile strength, elasticity, and comprehensive strength ; a testing ma- 
chine of the same capacity for determining the transverse streno-th 
and stiffness of beams up to twenty-five feet in length, and of framino- 
joints used in practice ; machinery for the measurement of the strength 
and twist of shafting; for testing the tensile strength of mortars and 
cements; for testing the strength of ropes; for testing the effect of 
repeated stresses upon the elasticity and strength of iron and steel ; 
for determining the strength and elasticity of wire; for determinino- 
the deflection of parallel rods when running under different condi- 
tions ; also accessory apparatus for measuring stretch, deflection, and 
twist. Besides the above-stated apparatus, a horizontal Kmery test- 
ing macliine of 300.000 pounds' capacity is now (June, 1892) beino- 
constructed for this laboratory by William Sellers & Co.. of Pliiladel- 
phia. It will contain all the essential features of the 800.000 pounds 
testing machine at the Watertown arsenal, buih by Lieut. Albert H. 
Emery. The new machine will be suitable for testing a compression 
specimen eighteen feet long, and a tension specimen twelve feet long, 
and will enable the department of Applied Mechanics to undertake 
and carry out a kind and amount of experimental investigation not 
otherwise possible, and to obtain a large number of results of value in 
practical engineering work such as could not be obtained by means of 
machines of smaller capacity. 



20 

THE HYDRAULIC LABORATORY 

has been planned to give facilities for substantially all kinds of 
experimental hydraulic work which are practicable indoors. It con- 
tains the following apparatus: — 

(1) A closed steel tank five feet in diameter, and twenty -seven 
feet high, connected with a standpipe ten inches in diameter, and over 
seventy feet high. The tank is arranged for openings or connections 
at eight different points, and on two different floors, with specially 
designed gates for controlling the discharge. Water is fed to the 
tank either directly from the city supply, or from a storage pit 
whence it is drawn, in such volume as needed, by a steam and a 
rotary pump. By means of valves and overflows on the supply pipe, 
the head in the standpipe can be maintained with great steadiness at 
any desired height. 

(2) Apparatus, jn connection with the tank, for performing a great 
variety of experiments on the discharge through orifices and mouth- 
pieces, which may be free or submerged. 

(3) The main overflow pipe, over seventy feet high, arranged as a 
vertical stack of soil pipe, with numerous connections for experiments 
in trap siphonage. 

(4) A six-inch Swain turbine, so arranged that its efficiency can be 
tested under different heads and gate openings. This wheel receives 
water from a separate storage tank, to which water is supplied by a 
centrifugal pump. 

(5) A Pelton water moter, upon which similar tests of efficiency 
can be made. Such tests are also made upon the various pumps with 
which the laboratory is fitted. 

(6) Several weirs, with hook gauges, for measurements of the flow 
of water, either for independent tests or in connection with the flow 
through orifices, or the testing of motors. 

(7) A cylindrical steel tank of about 280 cubic feet capacity, which 
affords a direct and accurate means of measuring very considerable 
volumes of water, in determining the discharge coefficients of small 
weirs, orifices, mouth-pieces, and nozzles. 

(8) A system of pipes arranged for the insertion of diaphragms, 
branches, and other special pieces, in experiments for determining 
loss of head. These pipes may be. connected either to receive the 



21 

water from the tank under steady pressure regulated by the stand- 
pipe, or to receive a greater pressure directly from the punnps. 

The demands of the students' thesis work have led to the construc- 
tion of several pieces of apparatus original in design, and admitting 
of widely varied, delicate, and valuable experiments. Among such 
apparatus may be mentioned one piece consisting of an adaptation of 
the Pitot tube to the measurement of the velocity at any point of a 
jet, for the study of variations in velocity. A simple modification 
allows accurate measurement of the shape of the jet. whether it be 
from a standard orifice, or from a mouth-piece. 

In connection with the apparatus here outlined, the laboratory is 
equipped with a variety of mercury gauges for the measurement of 
pressure, one having a specially graduated Brown & Sharpe scale 
seven feet long, with vernier attachment ; with apparatus for weigh- 
ing directly the discharge of water during experiments ; and with a 
large number of standard orifices, mouth-pieces, diaphragms, branches, 
etc.. of the most accurate workmanship. Many special pieces of 
apparatus which have been used in experimental work by Mr. James 
B. Francis. Mr. John R. Freeman, and other hydraulic engineers, 
have been courteously placed at the disposal of the department. 
Through the courtesy of the makers, a 12-inch Hercules turbine has 
also been temporarily loaned to the department. 

The engineering laboratory also contains a foundry rattler for 
determining the relative durability of various paving materials. 

The Engineering Library, open to teachers and students, con- 
tains a good collection of engineering works, now numbering about 
3,500 volumes. New books of value are added as soon as they 
appear, and the library receives regularly over eighty technical 
periodicals. 

THESIS WORK. 

Before receiving his degree, each student is required to present an 
acceptable thesis, embodying the result of some original investigation 
or design, accompanied in the latter case by the necessary computa- 
tions, drawings, and estimates. The following are the titles of the 
theses presented by the class of 1892 : — 

Project for a System of Signals for the Old Colony Railroad between 
Boston and Quincy. 



22 

Comparcative Tests of the Durability and Physical Properties of 
Road Materials. 

Design for a Movable Bridge. 

Design for a Cantilever Bridge. 

Design for a Stand pipe. 

Experimental Study of the Resistance of Rivited joints to Bending. 

Plan for the Sewerage of a Certain District in West Roxbury. 

Experimental Study of the Effect of Notching the Ends of White 
Pine Beams. 

Plan for abolishing a Grade Crossing on the Old Colony Railroad 
at Avon, Mass. 

An investigation of the Coefficient of Discharge of Water through 
Nozzles. 

A Project for Laying out and Subdividing a Tract of Land in 
West Xewton. 

A Study of the Measurements of the Flow of Streams made by the 
U. S. Geological Survey. 

Measurements of the Size of the Jet of Water discharged from a 
Standard Orifice. 

A Discussion of Base-Line Measurements with Steel Tapes. 

A Comparative Study and Discussion of Earthwork Tables and 
Diaoframs. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



030 008 442 4 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



030 008 442 4 



